<rolls eyes> ;-)
Luckily, there are so few running Linux on the desktop than none of
this will really be a concern.
And 're install and start again ...' I thought it was only Windows
where you were supposed to have to do that?
I'm assuming the server that got hacked was a Linux one and if so they
probably 'forgot' to apply the Apache patch ... or the ...
Cheers, T i m
p.s. Funnily enough I was just emailing a local lady I helped a while
back by installing Mint on her old Tosh laptop. She was saying the
sound wasn't working (so I don't know if it is the hardware) and she
has a Dell laptop that she has installed Linux herself (from the CD I
gave her) where it won't let her type in the WiFi key (but I've had a
Dell where it randomly wouldn't work the trackpad and keyboard).

Bwhahaha!
Or run Windows because they *need* some Windows only apps and because
they do so in a virtual machine, think in some deluded way that
doesn't count as 'running Windows'!
Maybe he should rename himself 'The natural hypocrite'. ;-)
So funny ... but so sad at the same time.
Cheers, T i m

We must move in different circles (or I get out more <weg>) because
the only people I know who run Linux on the desktop are the two or
three who do so because I installed it for them.

Well, 'of course' you will find those who have an interest in
'computers' will (probably also) run other OS's but even 75% of those
who run Ubuntu also run Windows, as do many of the 'Linux fanatics'
(as that is often what you become when a member of an unheard minority
tying to force your ideals on those who couldn't care less for *your*
ideals).
http://ubuntuportal.com/2012/03/revealed-75-percent-of-ubuntu-users-also-use-windows-os.html
Oh dear Bob ... so why is that ... why is it that 75% of people who in
your eyes 'know better', also run Windows? Could it be they would like
to enjoy all those programs that aren't also available on Linux ... or
enjoy the hardware that isn't compatible with Linux ... who aren't
fanatics and accept Linux is simply not up to it for the vast majority
(on the desktop? It's fine where it's neither seen nor heard, like
servers (although this Latest incident with Mint might put some
reality back on that assumption) or my router or TV).
Even that 'The Natural Philosopher' (typical Linux geek arrogance
there <g>) *has* to run Windows (although he thinks he isn't because
he's running it in a VM <rolls eyes>) because there are several
Windows programs he *needs* that simply don't have Linux equivalents.
Windows can do most things for most people, Linux obviously can't (or
I'm guessing more than 5% of the desktop population would actually be
running it)?
So, if you are interested in computers, like programming, enjoy the
comfort of talking at people who think like you and don't actually
need to mix and share with the real world, are tight or have a
specific job to do then yes, you could probably 'get away' with using
Linux. ;-)
So, Linux is (mostly) free, is *supposed* to be secure (as long as you
don't download it on the wrong day and have patched the age old
flaws), does install on most recent hardware pretty easily, distros
like Mint come pretty well pre configured with lots of useful stuff,
has been out there a fair while now so how come very few 'ordinary
users' have never heard of it and many I have offered it to (free)
don't want it or if I install it alongside Windows, never use it?
http://www.w3schools.com/browsers/browsers_os.asp
And remember I'm no Windows fanboy. I also run Linux, OSX and Android
so know very well exactly what each can, or can't do (or what I can
get each to do, as I'm no 'computer geek') and whilst I'm still using
XP as my daily desktop (here on a Mac Mini) I'm only two keystrokes
away from running Linux (Ubuntu) yet rarely do. Why? Because I happen
to be a 'hardware guy' and like using my PC's as tools with kit to do
things (not just as a WP as with many Linux users) and much of that
kit isn't supported on Linux.
So, the last printer I was given, a nice MF colour laser allows me to
network print and scan from XP, 7 and 10, I can print but can't scan
from Linux. Now, if I was a Linux geek I'd spend loads of time
researching 'Linux compatible' hardware (although exactly how you do
that when you are given stuff I don't know) but that's the tail
wagging the dog as most people are concerned. How much hardware in PC
World says 'Linux compatible' on the box?
However, I regularly use a Linux boot CD/DVD as a tool (and recommend
others do the same) and if you just want a bit of WP and a web
terminal (and as long as you don't need the latest Flash to play your
favourite web game or ActiveX to access some ipcam or whatever) then
Linux could be a good solution. ;-)
Cheers, T i m
p.s. And even if someone was handed a PC with Linux on it, where do
they take it to get it fixed when it goes wrong? I have lived in this
area all my life and know of several PC shops and none of them support
Linux. Oh, and 'going along to the local LUG' is as appealing to most
people as going to any other OS support club. Their PC's are just
means to an end., not a hobby or even interest (and certainly not a
religious or political cause!).

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